SunPower to construct new solar plant in Oregon

SunPower to construct new solar plant in Oregon

SunPower Corp. has announced that construction has begun on a 56-megawatt (AC) power plant in Oregon: the Gala Solar Power Plant in Crook County. It is expected to be the state’s largest operating solar power plant, and its construction – due to be completed by the end of this year – will create around 300 jobs.

SunPower’s third generation SunPower Oasis platform for solar power plants will be installed on this site to maximise the project’s long-term energy production. The platform is a complete power plant solution that installs quickly and optimises site utilisation to lower the cost of energy for customers. The product includes 50 percent lower parts than conventional solar plant systems, and an integrated solar tracker design which streamlines construction and reduces operational and maintenance costs.

Oregon Governor Kate Brown said: “I’ve often said that in Oregon, we don’t believe economic development and environmental stewardship are mutually exclusive ideas. The approximately 300 jobs expected to be created by the Gala Solar Power Plant are proof we can grow our rural communities and support a vibrant and innovative renewable energy industry.”

“Solar power project deliver a range of regional benefits, including job creation and affordable emission-free power,” added Ann Beier, Assistant Planning Director at Crook County Community Development. “We are proud that, working in partnership with SunPower on the Gala Solar Power Plant, Crook County is helping lead the way in Oregon in supporting increased solar development.”

Ty Daul, SunPower Vice President, Americas Power Plants, stated: “While solar is cost-competitive today, SunPower is continuing to drive the cost of energy down through innovation and integrated complete solutions such as our Oasis platform. We’re pleased to contribute to economic development in Oregon with the construction of this milestone project.”